The Holy Father invokes magisterial authority to say the path of liturgical reform cannot be turned back. He also says more work needs to be done in implementing the reforms, and a change of mentality is needed.

Pope Francis today invoked his “magisterial authority” to say the liturgical reform since the Second Vatican Council is “irreversible” and that more work needs to be done to implement it, including ensuring that the “mentality of the people” is reformed.

In a significant address to participants of the 68th Italian National Liturgical Week at the Vatican, the Pope stressed that the liturgical reform did not “flourish suddenly” but was the result of a long preparation.

He recalled how Pope St. Pius X first made changes that included ordering a reorganization of sacred music and the establishment of a commission to make general reforms of the liturgy.

That project, he continued, was then taken up by Pope Pius XII with his encyclical Mediator Dei that resulted in, among other reforms, the attenuation of the Eucharistic fast, the use of contemporary language, and major changes to the Easter Vigil and Holy Week liturgies.

The reforms, the Pope continued, were then “brought to maturity, as good fruit of the tree of the Church” by the Second Vatican Council with the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. In that document, the lines of general reform “respond to real needs and to the concrete hope of a renewal,” Francis said. “It desired a living liturgy for a Church completely vivified by the mysteries celebrated.”

The liturgy, the Pope went on, quoting the Vatican Council document, should not be such that the faithful are there “as strangers or silent spectators; on the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration.”

The direction marked out by the Council, the Pope continued, found expression in the revised liturgical books promulgated by Blessed Paul VI. But “it is not enough to reform the liturgical books,” Francis said. “The mentality of the people must be reformed as well.”

The changes to liturgical books amounted to the first step in a process “that requires time, faithful reception, practical obedience, wise implementation” on the part first of the ordained ministers, but also of the other ministers and all who take part in the liturgy, he said.

“In truth, we know, the liturgical education of pastors and faithful is a challenge to be confronted again and again,” he said.

The Pope further noted that more work still needs to be done, “in particular rediscovering the reasons for decisions made by the liturgical reform, surpassing unfounded and superficial readings, partial receptions, and practices that disfigure it.”

He said this is not a question of “rethinking the reform by reviewing its choices, but better knowing the underlying reasons, also through historical documentation, so to internalize its inspirational principles and observe the discipline that governs it.”

The Pope then insisted that following on from this magisterium of liturgical reform and its “long journey,” it is possible to say “with certainty and with magisterial authority that the liturgical reform is irreversible.”

Reflecting on the theme of this year’s Liturgy Week – “A living Liturgy for a living Church” – Pope Francis dwelt on three points, according to Vatican Radio:

* The liturgy is “living” in virtue of the living presence of Christ; Christ is at the heart of the liturgical action.

* The liturgy is life through the whole people of God. By its nature, the liturgy is “popular” rather than clerical; it is an action for the people, but also by the people.

* The liturgy is life, and not an idea to be understood. It brings us to live an initiatory experience, a transformative experience that changes how we think and act; it is not simply a means of enriching our own set of ideas about God.

The Church, Pope Francis said, “is truly living if, forming one single living being with Christ, it is a bearer of life, it is maternal, it is missionary, going out to encounter the neighbour, careful to serve without pursuing worldly powers that render it sterile.”

The Holy Father concluded by noting that the Church in prayer, insofar as it is Catholic, “goes beyond the Roman Rite” which, although it is the largest, is by no means the only Rite within the Church.

“The harmony of the ritual traditions, of the East and of the West,” by means of the same Spirit, gives voice to the one only Church praying through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, to the glory of the Father, and for the salvation of the world.”

The Pope’s message was a forceful commitment and encouragement to bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful to continuing implementing the reforms.

Resistance to Changes

His words come as resistance to many of these changes has grown in recent years, with increasing interest, especially among young people, in the Mass celebrated before the Second Vatican Council, known as the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, or the Tridentine Mass.

A major reason for this relates to liturgical abuses committed and innovations introduced over the past 50 years.

In March this year, Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, decried what has transpired since the Council.

“Certainly, some fine initiatives were taken” to promote “greater active participation” and to bring about “progress day by day in the Christian life of the faithful,” he said in a speech given in Germany.

But he added that we “cannot close our eyes to the disaster, the devastation and the schism that the modern promoters of a living liturgy caused by remodeling the Church’s liturgy according to their ideas.

“They forgot that the liturgical act is not just a prayer, but also and above all a mystery in which something is accomplished for us that we cannot fully understand but that we must accept and receive in faith, love, obedience and adoring silence,” he said.

The cardinal called for a recognition of “the serious and profound crisis” which, since the Council, has affected the liturgy by placing man and not God at the center of worship.

Last year, Cardinal Sarah asked all priests to return “as soon as possible” to celebrating Mass ad orientem, facing east rather than towards the congregation, as Mass was celebrated before the Council reforms.

He said such a reversion would be more faithful to Sacrosanctum Concilium and achieve what the Council desired.

HOW can someone CHANGE another person’s mentality??? What MORE “changes” are needed in the 4 “Eucharistic Prayers” of the MASS that are currently in use? Also, was it Pope Benedict who said that the “Traditional Form” (Eucharistic Prayer #1—-in LATIN)—-also called the “Tridentine Mass” (because it was composed in conjunction with the Council of Trent circa the year 1551) can NEVER be forbidden? ALSO, were not each of the other Three Forms of the Mass in use in past centuries (i.e., before Trent) in different areas around the world….WHAT IS POPE FRANCIS THINKING OF? Might it be a tightening in the “rubrics” of the celebration of the approved Eucharistic Prayers? (We have a new priest who is “charismatic”-like in the celebration of the Mass—-which I find very distracting!)....And, didn’t Pope Francis say he “loves surprises?” I guess we’ll “wait and see,” and PRAY for Pope Francis.

Posted by Anthony on Friday, Sep, 1, 2017 8:01 AM (EDT):

May I add the mention of the tango dancer given as an example of how the Sanctity of the Church is being lost comes from a internet video of a Mass celebrated by the then Cardinal Bergoglio. Which leads me to a question. Would Christ have driven the tango dancer out of the Temple like the traders. Now before someone answers with dancing for joy for God, can this example be put in that category. I think 100 per cent No.

Posted by Anthony on Friday, Sep, 1, 2017 7:31 AM (EDT):

The awareness of God`s Real Presence in churches has diminished big time. The sanctity of the church has suffered as a result. I believe this to be a fact rather than an opinion. What is the cause of this is the question needing to be asked and seriously addressed. In this regard I find Cardinal Sarah`s thoughts and writings most interesting and seem to me to be addressing this major problem. When people lose the awe and sense of the inner sanctum, God`s Holy Presence, visiting churches loses appeal and meaning. Sure God is everywhere is the cry. One does not have to go to church to pray. Yet Jesus drove the traders out of the Temple saying his Father`s house was a house of prayer, meeting God. That is the key. Who needs all the tinsel, puppets and tango dancers when God Himself is present. Surely a sensually dressed woman dancing is a distraction away from God rather than an aid. One can be entertained quite easily elsewhere in this fashion without adding the church to the mix. So for me, with all respect to the papacy, I find it difficult to take Francis seriously when he talks about liturgy. Best left to the person he appointed to this office, Cardinal Sarah. Why appoint him otherwise.

Posted by Theresa H on Wednesday, Aug, 30, 2017 11:37 AM (EDT):

Pope Francis says “Liturgical Reform is needed” due to “liturgical abuse.” We see it in many Catholic Churches. We had “official” liturgical reform in the 1970’s—-and with THAT, our Churches were either remodeled so the priest faces the people at the main Altar, or a small altar is placed close to the edge of the sanctuary. BUT look what, also, happened! Talking out loud in Church began—-as the priest leaves the sanctuary at the end of MASS. Also, where I attend Mass, our new Pastor has initiated clapping—-and singing: “Happy Birthday”—-at the end of Mass, before he leaves the Sanctuary. (As he comes down the two-three steps (to the main floor of the Church) he calls everyone who is present and celebrating their birthday to come up—-and as he shakes their hands, he starts singing “Happy Birthday”—-and most people join in—-and then, everybody claps! (We, also, have talking—-albeit in a whisper—-on the part of many people—-but only when really necessary.) The OLD Testament WORD of the LORD GOD, is: “My house shall be called a HOUSE OF PRAYER for all people.” (Is. 56:7) THAT makes one wonder: How much more so, NOW, is this called for in the NEW TESTAMENT—-(Remember when JESUS drove out the people buying and selling in the Temple?) JESUS is present in the Tabernacle” of every Catholic Church! Hopefully, Pope Francis is bringing back RESPECT for GOD in HIS “HOUSE OF PRAYER!”

Posted by Irene on Tuesday, Aug, 29, 2017 11:34 AM (EDT):

Attending Mass in many parishes in Italy and Spain can include indescribable noise (drums, guitars Hammering away, ear deafening amplifiers, yelling voices) and make it absolutely impossible to meditate. After such Masses one leaves without having encountered Christ, but instead have been forced into endless creativity and action throughout the whole Mass.
It sounds so nice eith “participation” but oh, my God, how this has been abused in the Church.
On the other hand, Gregorian chant, Polyphony and dignified sacred song and Music in general brings you closer to God, to a true encounter with Christ. BEAUTY is what we need in todays often very ugly and sordid society. And more SILENCE.
WITH POP MUSIC and all sorts of banality THE DEVIL ENTERD THE CHURCH. MYSTERY AND BEATY must be restored to the Mass.

Posted by kmk on Tuesday, Aug, 29, 2017 10:02 AM (EDT):

Nearly every comment here is typifying Pope Francis’s remark “mentality of the people”. He did not say it tactfully or in a politically correct manner, but it is straightforward. If you can get over your little precious egos and give this some thought, you may see the relevance.
If you are not part of the solution . . .

Posted by Theresa H on Monday, Aug, 28, 2017 9:30 PM (EDT):

From Cardinal Sarah: We “cannot close our eyes to the disaster, the devastation and the schism that the modern promoters of a living liturgy caused by remodeling the Church’s liturgy according to their ideas.”
I understand what Cardinal Sarah is saying….Our Church, here in FL. is “modern” and the priest faces the people at the altar. The sanctuary looks more like a theater for ballet dancing, etc…. The tabernacle is on the side of the sanctuary….THAT doesn’t bother me so much, but the talking in Church—-especially after Mass—-and the new practice, now, initiated by our new Pastor at the end of Mass every day, does. (Father says: “Anybody who has a birthday, today, come on up….” and then he invites everyone to clap and sing with him: “Happy Birthday!”——In contrast, “My Church,” the Church of my Baptism (St. Mary Star of the Sea) was built in 1857. It has NOT been remodeled to suit “modernism.” The only change is in the Sanctuary, down near the Communion Rail (which is still there) where there is, now, a small marble altar for the Mass facing the people. Outside, up above (over the 3 sets of double Entrance Doors) of this beautiful Church are engraved in the stone the words from the Old Testament: “My House shall be called a House of Prayer for all people.”

Posted by Mike Matthews on Sunday, Aug, 27, 2017 5:15 PM (EDT):

Altar girls? An abomination . . . poverty? We can talk about that later . . .

Posted by john on Sunday, Aug, 27, 2017 5:01 PM (EDT):

But then Francis treats John Paul II’s Familiaris Consortio as a mere suggestion subject to reversal, particularly as it relates to divorced/remarried receiving communion without annulment or without living chastely.

Posted by C-Marie on Sunday, Aug, 27, 2017 1:20 PM (EDT):

Be praying already for the man who will be the next Pope. to be the man that God would have head His Church.
Here is an excellent article from the archives of the NCR from February 2013, about the Holy Spirit and the elections of Popes and God’s will being done or not done or not truly,sought, in the election of Popes, plus quotes from Pope Benedict XVI.
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/the-next-pope-will-be-gods-choice-.-.-.-right.
Well worth a read for understanding. God bless, C-Marie

Posted by Billy on Sunday, Aug, 27, 2017 6:17 AM (EDT):

All of the comments I’ve read about Pope Francis so far are human opinions. It is our human nature (as sheeps) to resist or dislike changes, especially when it disturbs our comfort zone. Lets recall what David said in Psalms 23:1, “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.” Do you think that Jesus meant to stand still when He told the disciples to “Follow Me.”? Did Jesus (our Father and Holy Spirit) say that He is an “I was, “I will be”. Why cling to the past and bring it to the present? Isn’t God “I AM”?

Posted by Anthony on Saturday, Aug, 26, 2017 6:36 PM (EDT):

After Benedict settled things down peacefully allowing those who like the Latin Mass to be able to celebrate it, with no intrusion upon those still using the newrite, in steps Francis and causes division. He is a meddlesome trouble maker and seems to thrive on it. If a parish should want to celebrate mass with the priest facing east in worship of God let them have it. The experts on vat 11 state strongly this is allowed. So what is the big fuss. Is Francis being what he is accusing others of being, rigid and stiff. Beggars belief.

Posted by Gregg Johnson on Saturday, Aug, 26, 2017 5:26 PM (EDT):

I believe that Venerable Fulton John Sheen once said that the Catholic church deserves the pope it has. The Church needs Benedict to return or to elevate Cardinal Sarah to pope!

Posted by jon on Saturday, Aug, 26, 2017 1:09 PM (EDT):

Please just go back to Argentina Jorge!

Posted by judy on Saturday, Aug, 26, 2017 7:50 AM (EDT):

Dear James Hart, I met many Catholics with wounded heart like you. They love the church, the church in a new cloth, they could not take. If the VTII resulted loosing half of mass attendee, they have a lot to answer to Almighty God.
.
However, I have a question for you.
Do you think any liturgy on earth can be perfect?
i believe that the only perfect liturgy is at the heaven court said by Jesus alone. St.Gertrude have seen the vision.
I debate myself why to go hybrid mass served by altar girls? I struggle and pour out my heart to our Lord in mass. Actually, I find myself coming out with more graces. God knows our heart.

I do pray that you come back to mass. In this days we have more traditional minded priests. Normally, they are younger. They put up with liberal superiors, altar girls and woman readers, but, they believe they will see the better church. Please pray for the younger generation so, they may have the better liturgy than you suffered with last 50 yrs.

I am heading out for a daily mass in Novus Ordo. (no choice) I love to sit and pray after everybody is gone. I will pray for the good people like you.
God be with you!

Posted by Chicagoan on Saturday, Aug, 26, 2017 6:58 AM (EDT):

The fruits of liturgical “reform” and poor implementation of Vatican II so far:

huge drop in Sunday Mass attendance, no one genuflects when they arrive because I guess they do not believe Christ is present in the tabernacle, few say the responses at Mass, less devotion to the Rosary, novenas and other popular piety and fewer people going to Confession regularly.

Posted by Gerry McDonnell on Saturday, Aug, 26, 2017 4:45 AM (EDT):

All this bickering about Ad Orientem and the Novus Order. You can take a horse to the well, but you cannot make it drink!!!
Oh that we had a Pope who could put salt into our oats…!!!

Posted by Anthony Lusich on Saturday, Aug, 26, 2017 12:18 AM (EDT):

Pope Francis recalled St. Pius X who presided over the reorganization of religious music. Motu Proprio was promulgated by Pope Pius X on November 22, 1903 to address abuses that were affecting sacred chant and music during the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar.

Posted by James Hart on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 10:46 PM (EDT):

Let’s see if National Catholic Register will have the guts to print my letter:
I am in my sixties. I received 16 years of Catholic education. I remember the devotion of Catholics at Mass prior to Vatican II. Generally, that devotion is gone and a majority of Catholics no longer believe in transubstantiation. In addition, a great majority of Catholics don’t attend Mass at all anymore.
For the past 52 years I’ve heard priests and “Catholic” catechists say that all the Christian churches are equal, and that Catholicism is not the only true church. Well, after fighting with these people for over 50 years, I have left the Catholic Church. Since then, I’m happier and at peace. I no longer have to have my innards ripped out and my psyche battered every time I hear of the pope embracing modernism. I’m free. Praise God!

Posted by Long-Skirts on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 9:40 PM (EDT):

“After this Magisterium, after this long journey, we can affirm with certainty and with Magisterial authority that the Liturgical Reform is irreversible”.

SOONER
OR
LATER

You can run on
For a long time
Run on for a
Long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later
God’ll cut
‘em down
Sooner or later
God’ll cut
‘em down

These rotten wicked
Heinous men
Found foul and guilty
Again and again
All are depraved
Like nuns on the bus
Approve their boils
Then suck their pus

Sent a Prelate
A great French Knight
To warn that the dark
Will be brought to the light
His cassocked clergy
Teaching Faith truthfully
But scourged like the
Man from Galilee

According to Pope Francis, these changes came to fruition with 1963’s ‘Sacrosanctum Concilium’, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council
—a document which then essentially was ignored by the Consilium: the committee that was given the task of implementing ‘Sacrosanctum Concilium’ and headed by “’the criminal and unctuous’ Annibale Bugnini, secretary and factotum of that same body, a man ‘as devoid of learning as he was of honesty’” (Rev. Louis Bouyer http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2014/09/fr-louis-bouyer-on-liturgical-reform.html#.WZ8Xcj597ct )
“The direction marked out by the Council, the Pope continued, found expression in the revised liturgical books promulgated by Blessed Paul VI.” He fails to mention that the committee-fabricated Mass was REJECTED by the first Synod of Bishops in 1967—but promulgated in 1969 anyway.
Perhaps the greatest problem of the last century has been the distorted, incorrect understanding of papal authority and Church ‘Magisterium’. The Magisterium does NOT include every utterance of a pope. And papal authority does NOT include the power to suppress and replace the entire liturgical heritage of the Roman Rite. Even Pius IX, who presided over Vatican I which defined the dogma of papal infallibility, would have been shocked at the suggestion that a pope has the authority to obliterate a liturgical heritage which has evolved “organically” over two millennia.

Posted by CHattyKate on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 8:06 PM (EDT):

The liturgy is not life…sanctifying grace is. We receive this Grace (the Gift of Life) from God when we receive the sacraments. The source and summit of our Faith is the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (which doesn’t seem to be mentioned anywhere by Pope Francis).

Also, I am uncomfortable with the definition of liturgy as “popular.” I thought we went to Mass to worship God, and in turn He filled us with His Gift of Life. Although this is a “popular” Gift, our focus should not be on ourselves and what we get out of it, but what love and honor we can give to God. And last I checked, we still need a priest to administer the sacraments and Mass.

Posted by Milo Antonescu on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 7:22 PM (EDT):

The Second Vatican Council ‘lutheranized’ and vulgarized Roman Catholic liturgy to an inconceivable extent. Prayers in the Novus Ordo missal are full with expressions that are not fully Catholic. Some texts in the missal tell us that we are ‘already saved’ by Christ’s sacrifice, we are the ‘redeemed’ people of God, and the whole Creation will be saved at the end. The real possibility of damnation has been erased from the missal. There are prayers such as ‘give us the best of your blessings’ as if there were degrees of quality in God’s actions; reckless prayers affirming that we are already participating of Christ’s divine nature; prefaces stating that there will come a time when the ‘totality’ of humanity will enter in God’s rest… To this we have to add the disastrous liturgical practices of some priests who have never been reprimanded by their bishops. Many masses have become social shows where people just gather and get entertained by frolic and mimic. Words in prayers are improvised, strange actions are performed during the mass; chanting, clapping, and dancing have become part of the ceremonial; people just come and go around the altar; holy communion is delivered like pieces of candy in a party; sacred vases are not properly purified… Solemnity and respect have vanished from our celebrations. Is this what the Holy Father refers to as ‘the living liturgy of the Church?

Posted by Nathan Harris on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 6:45 PM (EDT):

Correction: “The laity,” line 1, paragraph 6.

Posted by C-Marie on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 4:46 PM (EDT):

Oh no!!! Does the pope really think that we are nearly mindless in the pews with no thought nor understanding of Jesus and the Last Supper? of His death and Resurrection and sufferings?? of His teachings? of being aware and sensitive to the Holy Spirit???????
This statement by Pope Francis is reversible by another Pope. And if all celebrants are to face east, then all new church buildings need to be oriented so the priest faces the faithful and the faithful face west. Yes, they want all facing east, I understand. But it is not known the direction that Jesus faced at the Last Supper, east or west or north ot south, other than He faced His Apostles, so ought not we, the faithful, receive the same privilege of seeing what is being done at the altar?? A definite yes. God bless, C-Marie

Posted by jerry on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 4:44 PM (EDT):

Sometimes(almost always) when I read the words which this Pope has said…..my stomach becomes queasy….. However…I know “that God is in His heaven “...and ...all well eventually be well. But…...“we are in for a bumpy ride “......I’m afraid !

Posted by djl1958 on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 3:22 PM (EDT):

I think that the ultimate end-game of the “irreversible” liturgical “reformers” in the U.S. is a return to the awful, inaccurate, un-prayerful, English translation of the Missale Romanum which we Catholics suffered through for 42 years until the current accurate, prayerful, worshipful English translation superseded it almost 6 years ago.

Once that desecration is accomplished, it’ll be “Katie, bar the door!” to further deformation of the Mass…..

Posted by Karen on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 1:26 PM (EDT):

“The mentality of the people must be reformed as well.” That says it all.
St.Michael the Archangel…...

Posted by Andrew Eppink on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 1:08 PM (EDT):

“Posted by James on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 8:37 AM (EDT):
Irreversible.
Irreversible?
What makes anything papal – exhortations, proclamations, or a passing thoughtless notion, irreversible, when the current occupant of the Chair of St. Peter is “reversing” anything that is contrary to his fancy?
The desperate attempts to undermine the papacy while simultaneously wielding it to confect an ecclesial entity which suits the formally Catholic will in the long run fail. Signs of that are presently before us. Who listens to this cohort of self-absorbed clerics wrapped up in their own image? Only those who out of conscientiousness know them to be fraudulent and regretfully those who are supportive of their “theological” hedonism – who can be characterized as ultimately uncommitted, and entirely sterile when it comes to handing on the faith. The vast swath of baptized uncatechised Catholics have no awareness of anything at all that is going on because they have not been touched with the faith. It is of little or no consequence to them.
Pope Bergoglio’s belligerent disregard for the responsibility of the office he presently holds will make his “magisterium” entirely reversible, and will obliterate his credibility for all the faithful who follow us into the future.
Ultimately, he and his bergoglianisms are toast.”

True as can be. Belligerent, arrogant politician.

Posted by Andrew Eppink on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 1:05 PM (EDT):

Pope Politician I, not missing a beat.

Posted by Mike Matthews on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 12:43 PM (EDT):

Still fighting versus populum? My goodness . . .

Posted by Wendy Gardner on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 12:10 PM (EDT):

“should not be there as strangers or silent spectators; on the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration.”
Why do people keep saying that? Do they truly believe that throughout all those centuries, people were reading magazines in the pews as the Mass went on around them? Are they charging everyone who went before with daydreaming through the whole thing? I’m old enough to know that this is not true. I had that chance, thank God, to observe people all around me at those Masses in my childhood.
“it is not enough to reform the liturgical books,” Francis said. “The mentality of the people must be reformed as well.”
Hmmm .Sounds like something Hillary said. Or perhaps someone worse.

Posted by brendan on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 9:40 AM (EDT):

intersting.

Posted by James on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 8:37 AM (EDT):

Irreversible.
Irreversible?
What makes anything papal – exhortations, proclamations, or a passing thoughtless notion, irreversible, when the current occupant of the Chair of St. Peter is “reversing” anything that is contrary to his fancy?
The desperate attempts to undermine the papacy while simultaneously wielding it to confect an ecclesial entity which suits the formally Catholic will in the long run fail. Signs of that are presently before us. Who listens to this cohort of self-absorbed clerics wrapped up in their own image? Only those who out of conscientiousness know them to be fraudulent and regretfully those who are supportive of their “theological” hedonism – who can be characterized as ultimately uncommitted, and entirely sterile when it comes to handing on the faith. The vast swath of baptized uncatechised Catholics have no awareness of anything at all that is going on because they have not been touched with the faith. It is of little or no consequence to them.
Pope Bergoglio’s belligerent disregard for the responsibility of the office he presently holds will make his “magisterium” entirely reversible, and will obliterate his credibility for all the faithful who follow us into the future.
Ultimately, he and his bergoglianisms are toast.

Posted by Cassandra on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 8:17 AM (EDT):

Just love the inverted commas around Francis’s “magisterial authority”.

Posted by Dave on Friday, Aug, 25, 2017 7:55 AM (EDT):

He cannot bind his successors or future Councils in matters liturgical. Sacrosanctum Concilium was a directive, not doctrine, therefore it fall within the scope of “authority,” not Magisterium.

If this Pontiff wants the faithful to respect his ‘magisterial authority’ then he needs to respect the magisterial authority of the lasy two popes.

Posted by jon on Thursday, Aug, 24, 2017 7:28 PM (EDT):

“The mentality of the people must be reformed as well.”

Rather than respect the thoughts and feelings of true Catholics, he would rather force his will on those. He has already lost many souls, but will not be finished until all are lost.

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Edward Pentin began reporting on the Pope and the Vatican with Vatican Radio before moving on to become the Rome correspondent for the National Catholic Register. He has also reported on the Holy See and the Catholic Church for a number of other publications including Newsweek, Newsmax,Zenit, The Catholic Herald, and The Holy Land Review, a Franciscan publication specializing in the Church and the Middle East. Edward is the author of “The Rigging of a Vatican Synod? An Investigation into Alleged Manipulation at the Extraordinary Synod on the Family”, published by Ignatius Press. Follow him on Twitter @edwardpentin